Please follow the link below to watch the 8th Senate Plenary Session as it celebrates its One Year Anniversary.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGwg0flJkk3LNjd_6lQUjA/live

Starting today, New Media Office of Senate President, will be Live Streaming all plenary activities at the Red Chamber using www.ngrsenate.tv. 

In September, we hope to also launch the Live Streaming of Committee Meetings, public hearings and oversights as we work on getting different National Assembly programs on National television. 

It is our hope that this will better enlighten the Nigerian people that we represent on the activities of the Senate, in our efforts to bring the activities of the legislature closer to Nigerians.

Also follow the hashtag #8thSenateAt1 


Signed,

Bamikole OMISHORE
Special Assistant on New Media to President of the Senate

#8thSenateAt1: 12 IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENTS IN 12 MONTHS by Abang Dove

As the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari marked one-year in office on May 29, 2016, so is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria marking her one-year anniversary as the 8th Senate today being the 9th of June, 2016.

Amidst all the happenings in Nigeria for the past 365 Days; ranging from Economic imbalance, challenges of insecurity, free fall of the Naira, PMS subsidy removal, food scarcity, inadequate power supply etc, the 8th Senate under the leadership of Senate President, Bukola Saraki has kept a stronghold of the Legislation by enacting useful laws (through timely bill passage and timely motion consideration) to improve the lives and living condition of Nigerians.

Listed below are a few of the important achievements of the 8th Senate in the last one year.

1. Bills
The Senate currently has over 167 Bills that have passed first reading (the introductory stage), over 39 in second reading stage and more than 6 bills are in third reading: these bills will be thoroughly scrutinised and further debated at the 3rd reading by members of the upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly. Once Mr. President assents to the bills, it then becomes law. A few of these key Bills include:
a. Commercial Agriculture and credit guaranty scheme bill: this bill which has passed third reading will provide adequate credit facilities for Nigerians willing to invest in Agriculture especially the young Nigerians.
b. The Petroleum Industry and Governance Bill, (PIB) has also been introduced in less than one year; the petroleum industry and governance bill has remained controversial such that it failed to pass in the last two assemblies. The PIB if passed in the 8th senate will overhaul the petroleum industry and bring sanity to the downstream sector. It will also mark a watershed in Nigeria’s economic history.
c. Prohibition of Sexual Harassment of Student by Educators in Tertiary institutions Bill: This bill when passed seeks to mete out strict punishment to lecturers, teachers, young girls and boys who engage in sexual harassment especially in the tertiary institutions.
d. Establishment of the office of the federal and state independent prosecution bill: this bill when passed into law will ensure that cases of corruption by federal or state government of Nigeria are persecuted with credibility through an independent prosecutor who will have no affiliation with the government.
e. Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act Repeal and Re-enactment law: This law will attract more investments into Nigeria and provide a fair and orderly process for dealing with the financial affairs of both, insolvent individuals and companies.
f. Establishment of the National Transport omission as an independent Multi-Modal Economic Regulator for Industry Transport bill: This bill when passed into law will meet the challenges in the transportation industry and create a sound system that will match a robust economy.
g. On-going consideration of the amendment to the Public Procurement Act. The Amendment of public procurement act will give priority to locally made products; the amendment bill has successfully passed second reading and is now awaiting third reading.
h. #JAMBBill: the Bill for an act to amend the JAMB Act passed Second Reading. When finally amended, this piece of legislation will ensure that the JAMB results of students will be valid for up to 3 years — as opposed to the current 1 year validity period. This is due to the fact that hundreds of thousands of candidates that sit for JAMB exams and do not secure their admission into higher institutions in the same year have to sit for the same exam the next year which is not the best. Hopefully, this amendment will go a long way in reducing the financial constraints on parents, and the psychological burdens on students who have secured pass marks but are unable to gain admission in the same year.
i. Also, the 8th Senate has identified 30 Priority Bills that will drastically improve the Nation’s economy.

2. Petitions
The Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions which is evidently one of the most active Committees in the 8th Senate Chaired by Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has received over 125 Petitions presented to the Senate; 32 of such petitions are already concluded while 82 is still under consideration. These petitions are sent in from Nigerians through their various representatives in the Senate appealing to the senate to aid their predicament ranging from unlawful termination of appointment, ill treatment, rights violation, etc.

3. Motions
So far, over 162 motions have been considered and resolutions of top benefits to Nigerians passed. Some of these motions include:
a. A motion that led the Senate to investigating and exposing abuse of import duty waivers on rice.
b. The 8th Day of March 2016 marked the International Women’s Day with this year’s theme: #PledgeforParity.

In commemoration of this day, the Nigerian Senate through the Chairman Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Oluremi Tinubu representing Lagos Central presented a Motion on Gender Equality and fair treatment among women in Nigeria. The Motion was co-sponsored by the Vice-Chairman Senator Stella Oduah and other members of the Committee.
c. Motion on the ‘Construction of Dams to Remedy the Perennial Flood Disasters in Nigeria’ by Senator Stella Oduah (Anambra North)
d. Motion on the ‘Excessive Tuition Fee Charged by the Nigerian Law School,’ by Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central)

4. Treasury Single Account (TSA)
The Senate through Senator Dino Melaye of Kogi West detected fraudulent activities involved in the implementation of Treasury Single Account Policy. The resolutions of the Senate brought the act to a halt saving Nigeria N20 Billion.

5. NERC
The Senate successfully used its oversight function to abolish the practice of bulk billing of consumers. In a motion brought to the floor by Senator Sam Egwu, the Senate put pressure on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to explain the basis of Distribution Companies (DISCOs) estimating the electricity billing of customers, while still making payments for meter installation in their homes.
In line with this motion, NERC, at a press briefing in Abujaon Monday 17, 2015, agreed with the Senate and said that consumers who do not receive power supply will henceforth be exempted from paying the fixed charges; adding that power distribution companies have come into consensus to review the fixed charge policy. Furthermore, to ensure more accountability due to the Senate’s query, NERC released a report stating that it supports the Senate’s decision to investigate the various projects and funding in the power sector since 1999.

6. Oversight on PMS Crisis
As Nigerians continued to groan under fuel scarcity, the Senate summoned the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachickwu, to appear before it for explanation on what he is doing to end the rising scarcity in the country.
The Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) chaired by Senator Jibrin Barau (Kano North), issued the summon to the Minister after carrying out on the spot assessment of the crisis in major filling stations within Abuja metropolis.
The Senate gave the federal government a marching order to end the fuel crisis. Since then, the government has taken drastic step to cut the bureaucratic loopholes that hinder the importation and distribution of fuel.
The fuel stations visited by the Senate Committee, included: Forte Oil, opposite Transcorp Hilton in Maitama District, Abuja, Oando Filling station, Zone 4, Abuja, Total Fuel Station in Asokoro District.

7. #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira
The Senate led by Senate President Bukola Saraki championed the promotion of Made in Nigeria goods with the hashtag: #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira that trended on Social Media thanks to the Common Sense Senator Ben Murray-Bruce. Another Senator who contributed greatly to the campaign was Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who organized a Made in Aba trade fair that has the Senate President in attendance, members of the Senate Leadership and the general public. Traders from all over the country especially those from Aba in Abia State displayed various products of Nigeria Origin.
Also, the owner of Innoson Motors; an automobile company that produces Made in Nigeria cars was invited to the Senate for briefing and support as the Senate President, Senator Ben Murray-Brue, Senator Stella Oduah and other senators patronized the vehicles.

8. National Assembly Business Roundtable #NASSBER
The #NASSBER which was held at the New Senate Building of the National Assembly on the 21st of March 2016 had lots of stakeholders from different sectors present and a couple other facilitators who anchored most of the segments scheduled for that day.
The round table focused on a total of Eleven (11) key sectors and important areas of the nation’s economy. These areas included: Competition, Doing Business, Roads Infrastructure, Rail Infrastructure, Maritime Infrastructure, Public-Private Partnership, Taxation, Finance and Investment, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution and e-Business and Intellectual Property.
All resolutions made by each hearing were submitted to the Nigerian Senate for further deliberations.

9. Passage of #Budget2016
Despite the lapses and controversy that trailed the budget, the Senate on Wednesday, March 23, passed the 2016 budget in time as promised. The 2016 Budget of N6,060,677,358,277 submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari was reduced by N17,002,641,773.
The Senate debated the bill on January 20, 21, 26 and 27 respectively. The bill was read a second time on January 27, and consequently referred to the committee on appropriations for further legislative actions.
While preparing details of the bill, the appropriation committee adopted a benchmark price of 38 US Dollars per barrel on crude oil based on the Medium Term Expenditure framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP). Crude oil production was bench marked at 2.2 million barrels per day with an exchange rate of 197 Naira to one US Dollar adopted.

Thereafter, the highlight of the bill as recommended by the committee was an aggregate expenditure of 6.06 Trillion Naira. Public hearing on Frivolous petition bill: The senate through a public hearing on this bill deduced the stand on Nigerians who vehemently opposed the bill on grounds that it will gag the use of social media.

10. Creation of North East Development Commission (NEDC)
The Senate organised a 2-day Public Hearing on a Bill for an Act to Establish the North East Development Commission (SB. 163) to address the devastation caused by insurgency and other matters connected.
The joint Senate Committee on Special Duties and the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service which is Chaired by Senator Abdul-Aziz Murtala Nyako (Adamawa entertained suggestions and contributions from stakeholders who represent those that will directly benefit from the Commission when created.
The North East Development Commission which will be the manifestation of the Act seeks to address the problems of the North East Zone (NEZ), collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to stop insurgency in the Zone, coordinate activities that would stop the incubation of terrorism within the Zone and stabilize the NEZ by stopping the displacement and involuntary movement of people out of the Zone to other parts of Nigeria and bordering countries.

11. Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law
The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2016, which is one of the priority bills of the 8th Senate that passed third reading on 26th of May, 2016 will play an important role as a key contributor to better credit risk management and also as a vital credit availability and business management tool.
The passing into law of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act would mean for free exit to be orderly in the event of losses, Nigeria needs stronger bankruptcy and insolvency laws to guide the process that would ensure that such firms that incur losses can easily break even and exit the markets using several market tools and intervention mechanisms.

12. Visit to Nigeria by the South African President, Jacob Zuma
It was a full house in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, when the South African President, Jacob Zuma accompanied by President Muhammadu Buhari visited.

Zuma advocated for a lasting partnership between the countries while also noting that such partnership should not be limited to strengthening of bilateral relations alone, but also to partner together in pursuit of the continental integration, peace, security and development.
The visit of President Jacob Zuma to the National Assembly was symbolic and historic on many levels.

The 8th Senate before its first 100 Days made a lot of promises to Nigerians which included #OpenNass. So far, the 8th senate has fulfilled the promise of having a transparent National Assembly by opening up most of its activities to the general public to a reasonable extent. This is to enable the public understand legislative process and the activities of the National Assembly.
Through #OpenNass, the Senate has been able to respond and attend to a lot of issues affecting Nigerians. Some of which includes; Senate intervention which led to the reviewing of Central Bank of Nigeria Policy to enable small business owner gain access to Forex and the 8th senate has unveiled plans to set up Transparency and Anti-corruption Commission to further ensure eradication of corrupt practices in Nigeria.

The Senate President on the other hand has been responsive to public concerns, he has also charged Nigerians to ask their respective representatives within the Senate and the House of Reps on the constituency programs they have planned for them and also make use of the available platforms created by the 8th Senate to reach out to their representatives in the Senate and follow up on such projects.

Abang Dove writes from Abuja, she tweets with @abangdove

SENATOR RAFIU CAUTIONS LABOUR MINISTER ON BANK LICENSES

Senator Rafiu Ibrahim today raised a Point of Order at the floor of the Nigerian Senate on a statement credited to the Honourable Minister of Labour at the 105th International Labour Conference in Geneva Switzerland threatening to revoke the licenses of commercial banks in Nigeria if they refuse the directive of the government to stop retrenchment.

Senator Rafiu noted that the power to issue or revoke Banking licenses doesn't rest with the Minister nor any ministry rather the Central Bank of Nigeria has the power to do so under the extant laws.

While raising the point of order under Personal Explanation, Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim in his capacity as Chairman Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions asked the Senate to summon the Minister of Labour, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Deposit Money Banks in resolving the issue and other banking related matters.

Keshi: Nigeria Has Lost A Hero, Says Saraki
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Wednesday described as a "rude shock" the news of the death of the former Skipper and Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said the sad occurrence was both painful and unfortunate coming at a time the nation is in dire need of wisdom and rich experience of sports professionals like the late international star to stabilize its soccer architecture.
Saraki lauded the monumental contributions of Keshi to the development of football in the country and extolled his doggedness and exemplary contributions that saw the nation clinch international trophies both as a player and a coach.
Saraki said: "Keshi was an excellent star. His soccer artistry and leadership skills remain unparalleled. His days, while donning the national colours and his stint as a National Coach of the Super Eagles could rightly be regarded as "Nigeria's golden moments" in both national, continental and world soccer.
"Keshi lost his wife late last year and today we heard the sad news of his demise. This must be a heavy burden for the family to bear. His death at 54 is both a rude shock and highly unfortunate.
"Nonetheless, we must take solace in the fact that he did his utmost for the development of sports in Nigeria, Africa and the world, during his sojourn on earth.
"As a player and coach, he was instrumental to superlative victories for the national team. It could be recalled that the “Big Boss” as he was fondly called, made history by winning the African Nation's Cup as a player in Tunisia 1994 and in South Africa 2013, he won again as a coach. He was perhaps the only Nigerian to have achieved that feat.
"He was a great source of inspiration to his contemporaries, team mates and the younger generation who took to football and are still active in sports across the world today. He shall be sorely missed," he said.
The Senate President commiserated with the children and immediate family of the deceased, the Government and people of Delta State, the Minister of Youths and Sports, the nation's football governing body and the Super Eagles over the painful loss.
While praying God to grant the Soul of the departed eternal rest, he urged his children, loved ones and admirers to emulate the enviable lifestyle of industry and patriotism of the late soccer hero.
He called on both the Federal and Delta State Governments to immortalize him.
Signed:
Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Senate President

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, HIS EXCELLENCY SENATOR (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, DECLARING OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL POVERTY ERADICATION COMMISSION BILL, ON TUESDAY, 7 JUNE 2016.
 
Protocol;
1.  I want to begin by thanking the Senate Joint Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare, and National Planning and Economic Affairs for their expedited action in reviewing the Bill for the establishment of a National Poverty Eradication Commission.
 
2.  The Joint Committees work over the past month, has served to ensure that this Bill has reached this public hearing stage; where stakeholders like all of us in this room, can contribute in an interactive manner towards strengthening the provisions and discuss any flaws or loopholes that may exist in this critical piece of legislation.
 
3.  I want to also thank all of you that have travelled from far and wide to attend today’s hearing. As you all know, the Senate considers this bill as one of its priority pieces of legislation. This is because the National Poverty Eradication Bill aims to put an end to an issue that many Nigerians suffer from daily. 
 
 
 
 
 
4.  The World Bank estimates for 2016, suggests that Nigeria’s ‘Poverty Headcount Ratio’, which is the percentage of the population living below the national poverty lines, stands at 46%. Other developmental partners suggest that the rise in the cost of living around the world, due to the global drop in oil prices, will further negatively affect the poor and middle class.
 
5.  In a similar vein, recent reports by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlights that our unemployment rate stands at 9.9%.
 
6.  As we are all aware Ladies and Gentlemen, the higher the rates of poverty and unemployment in a system, the more insecurity exists in that system.
 
7.  In this regard, the Senate has taken on the challenge to establish a National Poverty Eradication Commission to serve as a data bank on all poverty-related issues in the country. This bill seeks to allow the Commission, once fully operational, to act as the preeminent government agency that would be tasked with catalysing resources for the purpose of addressing and eradicating poverty in the country.
 
 
 
 
 
8.  Furthermore, in an effort to track our progress on the ‘poverty front’; in line with Nigeria’s commitment to meeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal Number 1, which aims to “End poverty in all its forms everywhere,” the Poverty Eradication Commission will be saddled with the responsibility of informing Nigerians quarterly of percentage reductions in poverty. 
 
9.  These efforts would go a long way in holistically confronting the issue of poverty that has and still negatively impacts millions of lives in Nigeria.
 
10.     At this juncture, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to reiterate the 8th Senate’s commitment toward ensuring that your consequential views and recommendations will be taken into account in the report of this bill.
 
11.      Therefore, it is important that you all contribute freely and fully in this pivotal legislative intervention process that aims to curb poverty in our great nation.
 
12.     I would also like to urge the Joint Committee to return the report of this hearing in good time to the full plenary, where we can consider it for the third time as a body of the whole.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13.     I thank you all once again for coming, and on this note, on behalf of the 8th Senate, I hereby declare the Public Hearing open.
 
14.     God bless you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 
 
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

?,
Protocol;
1. I want to begin by thanking the Senate Joint Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare, and National Planning and Economic Affairs for their expedited action in reviewing the Bill for the establishment of a National Poverty Eradication Commission.
2. The Joint Committees work over the past month, has served to ensure that this Bill has reached this public hearing stage; where stakeholders like all of us in this room, can contribute in an interactive manner towards strengthening the provisions and discuss any flaws or loopholes that may exist in this critical piece of legislation.
3. I want to also thank all of you that have travelled from far and wide to attend today’s hearing. As you all know, the Senate considers this bill as one of its priority pieces of legislation. This is because the National Poverty Eradication Bill aims to put an end to an issue that many Nigerians suffer from daily.
4. The World Bank estimates for 2016, suggests that Nigeria’s ‘Poverty Headcount Ratio’, which is the percentage of the population living below the national poverty lines, stands at 46%. Other developmental partners suggest that the rise in the cost of living around the world, due to the global drop in oil prices, will further negatively affect the poor and middle class.
5. In a similar vein, recent reports by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlights that our unemployment rate stands at 9.9%.
6. As we are all aware Ladies and Gentlemen, the higher the rates of poverty and unemployment in a system, the more insecurity exists in that system.
7. In this regard, the Senate has taken on the challenge to establish a National Poverty Eradication Commission to serve as a data bank on all poverty-related issues in the country. This bill seeks to allow the Commission, once fully operational, to act as the preeminent government agency that would be tasked with catalysing resources for the purpose of addressing and eradicating poverty in the country.
8. Furthermore, in an effort to track our progress on the ‘poverty front’; in line with Nigeria’s commitment to meeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal Number 1, which aims to “End poverty in all its forms everywhere,” the Poverty Eradication Commission will be saddled with the responsibility of informing Nigerians quarterly of percentage reductions in poverty.
9. These efforts would go a long way in holistically confronting the issue of poverty that has and still negatively impacts millions of lives in Nigeria.
10. At this juncture, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to reiterate the 8th Senate’s commitment toward ensuring that your consequential views and recommendations will be taken into account in the report of this bill.
11. Therefore, it is important that you all contribute freely and fully in this pivotal legislative intervention process that aims to curb poverty in our great nation.
12. I would also like to urge the Joint Committee to return the report of this hearing in good time to the full plenary, where we can consider it for the third time as a body of the whole.
13. I thank you all once again for coming, and on this note, on behalf of the 8th Senate, I hereby declare the Public Hearing open.
14. God bless you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

CCT Chairman Advocates Return of Decree 2.

As the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, continues at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Dan Ladi Umar, has advocated for the return of Decree Number.

Speaking at the end of Tuesday’s proceedings, Umar, who has repeatedly made biased statements that reveal his slant against the defendant, stated that "journalists should be punished" for publishing falsehood,"it is a criminal offence.”

Recall that during the military administration of General Buhari, Decree Number 2 Gave the Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters the power to detain for up to six months without trial anyone considered a security risk.

At the time, special military tribunals increasingly replaced law courts while the state security agency, the National Security Organisation, were given greater powers.

The chairman said this in response to articles that 1st appeared in Premium Times and ThisDay that the trial of the Senate President was adjourned indefinitely.

It is noteworthy that the CCT Chairman is an extension of the Presidency and his words today have sent a strong signal that the administration of President Buhari, who was at the helm of affairs when this decree was introduced 30 years ago might be coming back.

Ramadan: Saraki Seeks Prayers for Peace, Security

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Sunday urged Muslim Faithful across the country to use the period of this year's Ramadan to pray for peace, security and God's intervention in tackling the myriad socio--economic challenges confronting the nation.

In a statement to mark the commencement of this year's Ramadan fasting season signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the President of the Senate thanked God for the grace to participate in another holy obligation as enjoined by the Holy Quran.

He said: "We have entered into another season of rededication to the worship of God and service to humanity. This is a major commandment to mankind and a season of sacrifice and forgiveness. I enjoin all Muslim faithful to rededicate themselves to the true ideals of Islam as a religion of peace.

"Let us exploit the grace in this season to seek God's divine intervention in our lingering economic and security challenges. As a nation, we need God's power to overcome our present situation. Fasting is not mere abstinence from food, drink and worldly pleasures alone, but a time to seek Allah's power through prayers to be able to faithfully carry out the sublime injunctions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SWT) who was sent by Almighty Allah to show humanity the way of holiness, peace and brotherly kindness," he said.

He said, while the Muslim faithful fervently strive for improvement in the living standards of the people, the Federal Government will on its part ensure that the right policies and laws that would make life more meaningful in the country are put in place and dutifully enforced to bring about prosperity and harmony in the society.

He also stated that the present administration will continue to work to ensure that insurgents, terrorists, militia groups and other criminal elements that have plunged some parts of the country into a state of anarchy are flushed out.

Saraki further urged all Nigerians “not to succumb to despair but to remain steadfast in the firm conviction that with courage, determination, focus and collective will the country will ultimately overcome its present travails and emerge prosperous and peaceful once more."

Yusuph Olaniyonu

Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President —

SaharaReporters' Story Full of Falsehood and Exaggeration


The report yesterday  by SaharaReporters about a burglary in the Ilorin home of Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki contained series of falsehood and at best an exaggeration of an incident which happened two weeks ago in which N12 million was stolen by some unknown persons inside the Administrative Office located next door to the house.

 In a statement, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity stated that the unknown persons broke into the safe in the Administrative Office and stole the N12 million. The incident had since been reported to the police and the Kwara State Police command are investigating the matter with a view to nail the culprits.


 "There is therefore no truth in  the claim by SaharaReporters that the money ran into hundreds of millions, that it was in foreign currency or that the incident happened in Dr. Saraki's room. The amount was simply in Naira. Also, the money has nothing to do with Kwara State Government.

"For the umpteenth time, we need to reiterate the fact that SaharaReporters' fixation that any money spent by Saraki or that is in his possession is from Kwara State Government is unfounded, unwarranted, lacks any basis and irresponsible. We wonder whether Saraki was such a poor man before 2003 when he was elected Governor that he could no longer own any money without SaharaReporters attributing the source to the State Government.

"In its usual unethical and disgraceful haste to assassinate the Character of the Senate President, SaharaReporters ignored the simple professional practice for it to contact the Police to find out the facts of the incident. It merely created its own usually fictional story and published it. This is an online publication that cares not about its credibility or the journalism credo that facts are sacred and opinion is free.


"We call on all members of the public to ignore all the claims in the story. Dr. Saraki will allow the police to do their work and unravel the person or persons behind this theft in the Administrative Office", he stated.

 Signed

Yusuph Olaniyonu

Special Adviser (Media and Pubicity) to the Senate President

Farmers, Herdsmen Conflict: Senate to Find Solutions, Says Saraki



 

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has appealed to herdsmen and farmers across the country to maintain peace as the National Assembly is ready to proffer lasting solution to the perennial clashes over grazing by cattle. 

Speaking yesterday when a group of herdsmen from Kautal Hore Socio-Cultural Association, Jigawa State branch visited him, the Senate President who described the perennial clashes between the farmers and herdsmen as unfortunate, also appealed to the herdsmen to maintain peace at all times.

According to Saraki, “the National Assembly and all the stakeholders have been meeting on how to ensure that there is permanent peace between the two major groups in the nation's agricultural system".

He expressed concern over the recently frequent clashes, explaining that Nigeria is not the only country where farmers and herdsmen co-exist.

“There must be peace. There must be peaceful coexistence and there cannot be peace when human Lives are being wasted. The National Assembly will stop at nothing to ensure that there is peace. We will not stop working until there is peace between the farmers and herdsmen in this country. Please be patient", Saraki said while promising that the Senate will soon come out with suggestions  on how to end the conflict.

Earlier, chairman of the group, Umar Kabir Hadejia in his speech titled, “Appeal for an intervention” said the Fulanis are traditionally a nomadic pastoral people who rear their cattle and sheep across the vast territory of Nigeria as the largest nomadic group in the world.

He lamented that due to urbanisation, there has been an increasing trend of conflict between farmers and the pastoralists largely due to the Fulanis seeking fertile grazing lands for their developmental purposes.

This action, he said has resulted in violent attacks and reprisal counter attacks between the herdsmen who feel that their way of life is being threatened on one hand and the farmers on the other hand who felt aggrieved that their farmlands and crops were lost due to the activities of the herdsmen.

Umar Hadejia lamented that leading politicians and presidential aspirants in the country during election had made promises to provide the cattle rearers with grazing land but they all failed to deliver on the promises.

He therefore said Fulanis believe that provision of grazing reserves would boost livestock population, lessen the difficulty of herding and reduce seasonal migration as well as enhance the interaction among farmers, pastoralists and other rural dwellers.

Umar Hadejia maintained that herdsmen were not belligerent and terrorists as they are branded in the media. He however called on the Senate committee on Agriculture to wade into the matter with a view to coming up with an enabling law that will protect the image and integrity of all Nigerians as well as the rights of herdsmen to tend to their livestock.

 

Signed:  Chuks Okocha

Special Assistant to the Senate President on Print Media.

In 2013, as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki led a legislative intervention for the ‪#‎SaveBagega‬ Lead Remediation project that led to the Federal Government ordering a cleanup of Bagega, Zamfara State. This intervention saved the lives of over 1500 children in the area.
Today at the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki have again demonstrated commitment to curbing environmental disasters by passing the Motion on the Urgent Remediation of Shikira Community in Niger State after the Lead Poisoning incident.
So far, reports have shown that about 30 children - mostly under the age of 5 - have died from the effects of the poisoning.
In light of this, the Senate motion calls on the Federal Government (Ministry of Health, Solid Minerals and Environment) to urgently remediate Shikira Community, treat all cases of lead poisoning and promote safe mining programs in the area.
Additionally, the Senate has also urged the Federal Government to urgently approve and release the needed intervention funds from the Ecological Funds Office for immediate action in Shikira.

KWSG Approves N2.9b three Phase Diamond Split Underpass

Kwara State Executive Council has approved the construction of a three phase Diamond Split Underpass at the Gerin Alimi roundabout in Ilorin, the State Capital as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in the area.


Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council Meeting, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahaya said the project is expected to be completed in 18 months.

Alhaji Aro said the first phase of the project will cost N2.9billion, adding that the funding of the Under-Pass Project would be financed from the N10bn the state government is sourcing from the Bond Market.

The Commissioner noted that the project when completed would not only ease traffic on the road but add to the aesthetic of the area as it is expected to be an engineering masterpiece and architecture.

He said the council also approved the dualisation of other federal roads in the state such as Kulende-Oyun-Kwara State Polytechnic-Oke-Ose-UITH road and the Ita Alamu-Michael Imoudu-Ganmo-Afon junction road.


He explained that although the roads are federal government roads, “but in line with our policy to develop road infrastructure in the state in order to reduce the pains and stress of our people the state government resolved to embark on developing the roads, awaiting federal government reimbursement”.


Also speaking at the briefing, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Alhaji Mahmoud Ajeigbe said council has approved the Contributory Pension Scheme for Civil Servants who joined the Civil Service from 1987 to date while those employed before the date would remain under the current scheme.

Alhaji Mahmud explained that the approval was sequel to the realization that the revenue base of the state could no longer sustain the old pension scheme.

The Senior Special Assistant, Media and Communications, Dr Muideen Akorede said the council considered the Draft White Paper and Administrative Panel of Enquiry with the reports on Share/Tsaragi communal clashes last year.

According to Dr Akorede, the state government has resolved to render assistance to victims of the crises from both communities with a view to dousing tension between the two neighbouring communities and prevent a reoccurrence of hostilities in the area.

@kwaragovt: @AbdulfataAhmed releases N7.9m scholarship to Mohammed Tukur, KWASU Best Graduating Student 2013 for Masters Degree in US

Buhari Off to Senegal, Whispers of Truce with Saraki Grows Louder
June 1, 2016Henry Oqua
President Muhammadu Buhari will be in Dakar, Senegal on June 3, to attend an Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS ordinary summit.

The summit of heads of state will take place between the 3rd and 5th of June.

At the summit, the ECOWAS leaders will discuss issues of regional security, and economic development of the West African region.

Truce Between Buhari and Saraki?

This is the first official trip that Buhari has invited members of the National Assembly to accompany him on.

Before he appointed ministers, Buhari travelled with governors and prospective minsters. However, after appointing ministers, the President has travelled with some state governors, his ministers and some party members, never with senators in his envoy.

Sources close to the President in recent weeks have informed The Brief that communications between both men have improved, compared to the last 11 months since Buhari became president.

A source who pleaded anonymity, said “President Buhari has kept his line of communication open to Saraki in the last couple of weeks”.

“I can tell you that they have spoken more times recently than they have in the last one year”.

A source very close to the Senate President also hinted at improved relations between both men.

“Saraki was invited by Buhari to nominate members of the Senate that will accompany him on his Dakar trip”.

Although unable to confirm if a truce has been reached, the source said it is a general feeling that peace may have been reached.

Relations between Buhari and Saraki have been stretched, sine the June 9 emergence of the Senate leadership, under controversial circumstances.

Since then, every public appearance of both men together has been greeted with much frenzy.

Youth Council to Empower Unemployed Youths in Kwara


Agricultural Vocational Training and Empowerment for Unemployed Youths is the first of its kind coming from National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN Kwara State Chapter)


This agenda was born out of a collective desire to see that poverty is tackled knowing fully well that it's not the job of the government alone to provide means to an end. The programme which was organised at Mandate Hall, Ilorin had in attendance many Youth Organisations ranging from paramilitary, religious and non governmental organisations like Red Cross, Peace Corp, Boys Brigade, Catholic, Amadiya and many other associations.


In his remark, the chairman of NYCN Kwara State Chapter, Comrade Adekanye Kazeem stressed the need to establish many projects that will see to the provision of succour for the good people of Kwara. This was to support the present government of change and also urge the Federal Government to focus on schemes that will have direct positive impact on the lives of the citizenries rather than unending court cases and witch hunting.


The CEO of the Agric Academy, Comrade Dike Eyindero whose academy had come in conjunction with NYCN to power the event noted that the easiest ways to navigate out of this present economic tsunami is to entice the youths to embrace agriculture.


He added that we all have to take advantage of the fine weather we have in this country and make use of the vast land mass begging to be maximally utilised.


Another speaker who noted the activities of the government to see that poverty is eradicated was the SSA Youth Empowerment to the Kwara State Governor, Mr. Saka Babatunde. While responding to questions from the participants assured that government's plan to seeing that the turbulence being experienced by individuals on the QuickWin scheme will receive succour in no due time.


The program ended with a group photographs of all participants after the distribution of the 160 forms available had been equally distributed to all the 16 Local Government Areas in the state.

Democracy Remains Best Solution to our National Problems, Says Saraki

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has commended Nigerians for working to sustain democracy in the past 17 years despite the various challenges the country has encountered within the period.

In a statement to mark this year's Democracy Day, signed on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described democracy as not only the most globally accepted system of government but also the best solution to the problems confronting a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society like Nigeria.

He said in the last 17 years, the electorate have become more discerning and sophisticated as the nation has got to the point that people elected to the various offices are now conscious of the fact that they are under constant watch and when they fail to meet the expectation of the voters, they will be given the red card.

"It is the first time in our national history that we will have 17 unbroken years of democratically elected governments. Last year, our people demonstrated that our democracy is fast maturing as they voted out a party in power and elected another party. Since then, one can notice how people have become more and more interested in governance and the performance of those elected and appointed into public offices.

"In my own view, these are signs that our democracy has matured. Our people deserve commendation for that. This positive development is also already reflecting in the quality of governance and the level of development being witnessed across board in the country", he stated.

The Senate President further called on elected and appointed officials at all levels of government to continue to justify the confidence people reposed in them as he said he and his colleagues in the Senate are conscious of the fact that if they fail to live up to the expectation of the people, the next elections are just around the corner.
He added that at this point, the nation must improve on the conduct of elections in such a manner that the free will of the electorate will be reflected in the results, adding that for the country to become a matured democracy, elections must be peaceful, free and fair.

"The issue of free and fair elections is a joint responsibility for all of us. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must continue to improve on its process and machinery for conduct of elections while the people must learn to shun violence and all forms of unlawful conduct during electioneering. We cannot be celebrating many years of democracy if people still take elections as if it is war and refuse to accept the decision of the majority.

"We in the National Assembly will continue to strengthen the electoral laws and other legislations that can build institutional checks against the abuse of the laws by individuals and groups. We must get to the point where people who resort to violence to achieve political objectives are severely punished", Saraki stated.

He added that Nigeria must become a model in Africa for the enthronement of rule of law and protection of fundamental human rights of all individuals and that the country must show good example to other countries on the continent and in the Commonwealth nations in that regard.

Saraki noted that in the area of the economy, the entire world is facing challenging times and that what the country needs to overcome the situation are discipline, prudent management of her resources and and exploration of hitherto neglected areas in creating national wealth.


"I can assure our people that the present economic problem is a temporary challenge. We will all be happy very soon. It is for this reason that, as I congratulate our people on this occasion of Democracy Day, I call on them to continue to pray for the government and support all efforts aimed at ensuring that we all reap the dividends of democracy. We should remember that tough times do not last but tough people do. God bless Nigeria. God bless Nigerians", Saraki stated.

Signed

Yusuph Olaniyonu

Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President

Bye-Election: Kwara APC Victory, a Confidence Vote for Party's Leader

The decisive victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Kwara State House of Assembly elections in Saturday elections in Oke Ero constituency, Mrs. Victoria Bunmi Afolayan, has been attributed to the popularity of the state's political leader, Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

According to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC candidate secured 5,346 votes against the 1,248 won by Olusola Adeoti of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The ruling party also won in 68 of the 69 polling units which make the ten wards in the local government area.

In a statement after the official announcement of the results of the election, Hon. Toyin Sanusi, Senior Special Assistant (Political Affairs) to the Senate President said the victory was a vote of confidence on the leadership of Saraki.

Sanusi who expressed appreciation to the electorate in Oke Ero for trooping out to support the APC candidate in the election despite the situation across the country and in the party said the victory was an indication that Kwara State remain solid in its support for the party leader, Saraki.

"Despite the general economic situation in the country, the fact that the state government lacks the financial capacity to fully pursue its policies and programmes as well as fulfil its responsibilities to the people, in spite of the development within the APC at the national level, the people have proved that they are still in support of the party leader. This is also in spite of the on-going trial of the leader, Dr. Saraki

"That is why we thank the people for their consistency, devotion and loyalty. With their votes, they have signified their constant support that Kwara is solidly behind Saraki and that is inspite of the fact that some people thought they could capitalise on the travails of the Senate President to erode the influence of the party in the state", Sanusi said.

Signed

Hon. Toyin Sanusi

Senior Special Assistant to Senate President

EX CUSTOMS BOSS ACCUSES CCT BOSS, UMAR OF CORRUPTION, BIAS……. Says he can’t try him


A former Deputy Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Mr. Rasheed Taiwo Owolabi, has accused the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, (CCT) Mr. Danladi Yakubu Umar of corruption and bias and demanded that he disqualifies himself from the tribunal panel that will try him on false asset declaration charges.

Owolabi is standing trial on a one count charge of failure to declare his assets throughout his career in the public service contrary to paragraph II (1) of the Fifth Schedule, Part 1 and punishable under Paragraph 18 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

But the ex-Customs Chief claimed that Umar in 2012 shortly after the charge was slammed on him, once approached him for a bribe of N10m from him to pervert the cause of justice in a criminal matter filed by the federal government.

In his motion on notice filed argued by his counsel Mr. Festus Ukpe, the applicant claimed that he reported Umar to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prompting his arrest and interrogation on the alleged bribery request.

Owolabi claimed that he will never get fair trial and justice from the CCT boss, having implicated him in the bribery saga and which led to the ongoing trial of his Personal Assistant Ali Gambo Abdullahi for criminal offence at an Abuja High Court

Specifically, Owolabi alleged that the CCT boss has become biased against him for dragging him (Umar) to the anti –graft agency on his demand for N10m bribe and the part payment of N1.8m, hence he cannot get justice before Umar tribunal as required by law.
Owolabi who appeared at the tribunal yesterday prayed that the charge against him since 2012 be stuck out for want of diligent prosecution and for the likelihood of bias against him.

The defence counsel predicated the motion asking Umar to disqualify himself on 5 issues among which was that during the pendency of his trial, he made several allegations of graft against the CCT Chairman, which led to the trial of his PA in respect of the allegation.

He insisted that it has become legally impossible for the CCT Chairman to adjudicate over the matter because of a real likelihood of bias by Umar against him.

The applicant therefore ask Umar to disqualify himself from the CCT panel billed to try him on the ground that he (Applicant) will not get fair trial and justice from any trial conducted by Umar.

“The defendant filed an application - a motion on notice seeking the tribunal to strike out the case. This motion is supported with affidavit and written address. The application bordered on the issue of fair hearing by the affidavit in support of this application, it is clear that the defendant will likely not get fair hearing if the present charge is allowed to continue”.

“By the affidavit, certain allegations were made by the defendant. The issue of actual bias does not arise but likelihood of bias, with this, the proper thing is for the tribunal chairman to disqualify himself from this trial and this is our prayer”.

“For whatever reason, the prosecution has refused to open their case, if that is the case, the tribunal should strike out the charge”.

“We are not saying the tribunal should dismiss but strike out the case and whenever the court is reconstituted after the disqualification of the chairman from this trial, we can come back and continue with the case but as it is now, the chairman does not have power to continue with the hearing in the interest of justice”.

However, in opposing the motion, the Code of Conduct Bureau, which on behalf the Federal Government filed the charge against the ex custom’s chief urged the tribunal chairman to dismiss the motion on the ground that it lacks merit.

Counsel to the CCB Mr. Peter Danladi who is prosecuting the defendant told the tribunal that the motion was a ploy to further delay the trial adding that the tribunal had in 2013 filed a motion at the court of appeal but abandoned the appeal.

The CCB lawyer said that the tribunal chairman cannot take the place of the prosecution as the tribunal had always held that the prosecution should prove its case beyond reasonable doubt even though the offence of failure to declare one’s assets is a strict liability offence.

“This application is vexatious and a ploy to stop the trial of the accused. It is in the interest of justice to deny this application and ask the Accused to be ready for his trial at this tribunal”.

“The Prosecution has filed a counter affidavit dated May 25. It was disposed to by one Suzanne with a three paragraph affidavit and attached to it are three exhibits. We are relying in all the paragraphs in the affidavit as counter to the Motion on Notice.
Also, we have filed a written address in which they raised three issues for determination”.

“When the accused was arraigned he took his plea and pleaded not guilty only for them to return, alleging likelihood of bias. We ask thus Honourable tribunal to deny the application and ask him to stand trial”.

The tribunal chairman, Mr. Danladi Yakubu Umar has fixed June 14 for ruling on the motion.

CCT: Errors, Influences and Matters Arising

by Edwin Okechukwu Ike

In Robert Greene’s 1998 bestseller, The 48 Laws of Power, the author emphasises on the 4th Law that states “Always say less than necessary” - by highlighting that: “The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.”

The aforementioned principle and its accompanying caution apply fully to the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar. This is because since the CCT case involving the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, started, Umar has tried to exonerate himself from the widespread allegations of his tribunal functioning under external influences by constantly making verbose remarks, rather than putting the allegations of self-contradiction to rest with virtuous and consistent rulings.

In an unmistakable case of a person’s words speaking louder than his actions, prior to the commencement of proceedings in Saraki’s trial on Tuesday, May 17th, Umar began his pre-trial announcement by saying: “We must all be fair to ourselves because we will all eventually be accountable to Allah.” He said this as if he was bothered by the fact that there has been vehement opposition by prominent legal practitioners against several of his rulings in the Saraki case that have been devoid of legal merit.

Several of the justices that have spoken out against Umar’s handling of Saraki’s case include former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Modibbo Belgore; former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice George Oguntade (CFR); Justice Samson Odemwingie Uwaifo; former Justice of the Supreme Court, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN); Chief Nnoruka Udechukwu (SAN), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, (SAN) and Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

This is why it shocked many observers on Tuesday, when Umar, without being prompted by anyone, told the entire court that during the 2011 trial of Bola Ahmed Tinubu - the former Lagos State Governor - at the CCT, the tribunal was also “under serious influence.” Expanding on this statement, Umar went on to suggest that based on what was before the tribunal in 2011, the tribunal was forced to discharge Tinubu.

It is important to point out that since Umar did not make any allusion to from which quarters the 'serious influence' came, it could have been exerted by either Tinubu’s people, or the Federal Government at the time, who saw the Tinubu of 2011, as a threat to some political agenda and ambitions. It is therefore safe to interrogate this confessional statement the Tribunal chairman further by asking if in fact this 'serious influence' has something to do with the error that he admitted he made in the Tinubu case when he was called upon to use it as a precedent in the Saraki case. In one of his most controversial rulings, he stated that the CCT was departing from the precedent that it set in FRN v Tinubu (2011) as that decision in error. With the serious influence confession, could it then be that the error was made deliberately to favour a special interest(s).

In the ruling against Saraki, Umar declared that based on Paragraph 3 (e) of the Constitution’s Third Schedule, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) had the powers to “receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct....... refer such matters to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”

Umar, relied on the provision above to disregard the precedent clause of the Act that establishes the functions and powers of both the CCB and the CCT. The clause in question, which is located in Section 3 (d) of the Act, explains that individuals with perceived discrepancies in their asset declarations must be first given an opportunity to either confirm or deny those discrepancies before a decision is taken by the Bureau on whether to refer the matter to the Tribunal.

However, what Umar failed to realise is that by claiming that because the provision of the 1999 Constitution does not have the proviso contained in the CCB and Tribunal Act, he will not respect the need for an individual to be invited to clarify issues raised on his asset declaration before being referred to the Tribunal, he was equally ignoring the provision of Section 3 (g) of the same Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution that states that the Bureau shall “carry out such other functions as may be conferred upon it by the National Assembly.”

What this means is that the Constitution gave the National Assembly the mandate to create the Act that include it further provisions, provided these additions are not contrary to the words of the grund norm itself. What the National Assembly has rightly done in the Act is to establish procedures for instituting cases at the CCT. Hence, the tribunal’s ruling in FRN v Tinubu, set a precedent that made the procedural ruling in FRN v Saraki (2015) exceptionally flawed.

What this also means, is that Umar’s declaration that the tribunal was under some sort of ‘influence’ during the Tinubu case, insinuates that he may have come under some form of external pressure as Saraki’s trial continues. The Tribunal chairman last Tuesday denied there is any such influence in the present case. It is just that many may not believe him. If his claim is however true, it is important to ask ourselves what exactly any external influencers who is interested in the present case may want to achieve. This also means that we must question how exactly these influencers would have impacted the proceedings of the case thus far; who exactly these external influencers are, and; where exactly this case is heading - given that the Chairman of the tribunal has implicitly notified the general public of the presence of extraneous motivating actors in a previous case.

Whatever the case, Mr. Umar needs to be more persuasive to convince right thinking members of the society that he is not acting a script written elsewhere. for example, immediately after making that disclosure last Tuesday, he went ahead to reverse the only ruling he ever gave in favour of Saraki since this case commenced last September. Yet, he will say he does not approbate and reprobate.

More importantly, we must also explore the angle of whether Umar’s statement on Tuesday was a cry for help. Is he being coerced beyond his control? Are his strings being pulled by his influencers in a manner that is stretching them to their breaking point? What made him come to come to court that Tuesday reading the Hadith (Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed) and being on the verge of swearing that moving forward, he would proceed with the case in a conscientious manner?

Nobody prompted the CCT boss to sing like a canary on that faithful morning, yet, he chose to do so - leaving many to wonder whether he might have said too much to save what is left of his reputation, at a time when fewer words would have sufficed.

Senate President, @BukolaSaraki Reacts To Bill On Sexual Harassment In Universities


"Today at the Nigerian Senate, we passed a Bill to Criminalize Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Universities for its Second Reading.

Many young Nigerian boys and girls suffer at the hands of lecturers, fellow students and those in administrative positions of power when they seek to further their education in our universities.

This bill, once passed and signed into law, will help stamp out all forms of harassment to make our schools more conducive for our students.

I can attest to the fact that I have received anonymous emails and messages urging the Senate to make sexual harassment in our universities a criminal offence. In this regard, as we have taken this pivotal step to get this bill off the ground, I enjoin members of the civil society and students across the country to join in the process to make sure that this bill is passed and signed, so that students can receive the protection and backing of the law as they pursue their education."

Do you have a comment you want to add?

visit www.facebook.com/Bukola.saraki

Saraki's Trial: “We Have No Details to Sustain Charge 11” Says Witness

THE primary prosecution witness, Mr. Michael Wetkas, in the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, may have created another major pothole for the federal government’s prosecution team, as he has stated on cross-examination that there was insufficient evidence to sustain Count 11 of the 16 paragraph indictment against the Senate President.

Paul Usoro (SAN), who led the cross-examination of Wetkas at today’s (Wednesday) proceedings, steered Wetkas through a series of questions to try to figure out how the Federal Government arrived at its conclusion to bring Charge 11 against Saraki, a former two-term Governor of Kwara State.

Wetkas, who is also an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the lead witness in the case, admitted that he never asked the defendant about the mortgage alluded to in Count 11, and neither did he see the mortgage agreement to confirm the ownership of the property in question.

The EFCC witness also admitted to the fact that no current evidence shows the location and/or description of the property referred to in Count 11 (No. 37 A Global Road, Lagos) as he was not entirely sure if the Global Road in question was in Ebute Meta, Lagos or Ikoyi, Lagos.

Following the revelations, the tribunal adjourned the trial to Wednesday, May 25th, 2016 for further cross-examination.

Press Release:

Saraki Applauds Withdrawal of #SocialMediaBill by Senate

Following the 8th Senate’s decision to step down the Frivolous Petition Bill, based on a recommendation from the Senate Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters submitted by Senator David Umar on Tuesday, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, today commended the Upper Legislative Chamber’s moves.

Recall that in February, speaking at the Social Media Week, Lagos, #GameChangers event, Saraki stated that the bill brought to the floor by Senate Deputy Leader, Sen. Bala Ibn Naallah, would not scale through the Senate, based on the public outcry that had accompanied the revelation of several of its proposed sections.

Commenting on his Twitter handle on Tuesday, Saraki stated that he was “Glad to see that as promised during social media week, [the] #FrivolousPetitionsBill has been officially stepped down.”

Since its inception on June 9th, 2015, the 8th Senate has worked to institute a people-oriented legislature that is responsive to the demands of Nigerians, and addresses their complaints through thorough and effective oversight and lawmaking.

CCTVSSARAKI: Drama in court as Counsel to FG Shields Witness
 
The Counsel to the Federal Government in the ongoing trial of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT Rotimi Jacobs has showed repeated efforts to shield the prosecution’s lead witness, Official of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Micheal Wetkas from revealing more discrepancies found in his testimony.

While undergoing cross-examination from Paul Usoro, the counsel to Saraki on Tuesday, the witness showed further signs of inconsistencies and an inability to justify several of his key testimonies against Saraki.

Jacobs, who has also been a counsel to the EFCC for many years, further proved these contradictions by interrupting the cross-examination process on several occasions - to either defend Wetkas, or give him an opportunity to come up with appropriate answers.
 
When asked to clarify his declaration that a particular house on Mcdonald Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, that he claimed belonged to the Senate President was not declared with descriptions, Wetkas was stumped.

Sensing the EFCC official’s inability to address the question, Jacobs objected strongly and drew the attention of the court to the last cross examination stating that clarifications on the aforementioned page had been addressed.

“If there is any discrepancy that was made by the defendant himself, my Lord let's look at Exhibit 1 and 2, there is no issue here but I will bring someone to give authoritative evidence,” Jacobs said.

“My Lord we are talking about different properties, how do we get justice if your Lordship doesn't get these nuances? There are four different properties in question here,” Usoro, Saraki’s counsel countered.

Usoro went on to challenge Wetkas’s testimony urging both Jacobs and and the tribunal to allow the witness to answer directly.

The CCT Chairman, and presiding judge, Danladi Umar, in supporting statements said that it was necessary for Wetkas to address the inconsistencies, as he urged Saraki’s counsel to continue on with the cross-examination.

Wetkas, since the commencement of his cross-examination, has found it difficult to defend many of the assertions that he made when he was providing evidence to support the Federal Government’s case.

Senate Public Hearing on University of Petroleum Bill

A Public Hearing of the Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Petroleum Effurun which was sponsored by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege representing Delta Central Senatorial District was organized by the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND and was held today at the New Senate Building with lots of stakeholders from the University, Delta State and other neighboring states of the Niger Delta in attendance.

The Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, (FFUPRE) has been in existence since 2007 and it is the first specialized University in Nigeria and the 6th in the world. The University has Three (3) colleges; College of Science, Technology and Management Sciences and a school of Post Graduate Diploma which is expected to kick-start in October.

The Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND which is Chaired by Senator Binta Garba and Co-Chaired by Senator Tijjani Kaura had other members of the Committee in attendance like Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, John Enoh, Ovie Omo-Agege among others.

Senator Abaribe while speaking to stakeholders from the different communities under Effurun urged them to desist from name struggling as some suggested Ugbomo to be the name of the University since it is the host community instead of Efurrun. The Senator said the most important thing is that the University is located in Ugbomo and will benefit the entire state and other neighboring states.

The Co-chairman of the Committee, Senator Tijjani Kaura while giving the closing remarks thanked the sponsor of the Bill and also assured all stakeholders that the Committee will ensure the #PetroleumUni Bill is passed into law before the first tenure of the 8th Senate is over.

CCTvsSaraki: New Discrepancies Found, As Federal Government Witness Absolves Senate President Over Property Asset Declaration

There were several fireworks and new revelations today (Tuesday, May 17th, 2016) at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), as the Federal Government’s lead witness, Michael Wetkas, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stated that Saraki was not directly involved in some of the charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

Answering questions on cross-examination by Paul Usoro (SAN), the Counsel to the defence, Wetkas admitted that in the documentation for the credit facility for Skyview Limited - one of the companies listed in the Federal Government’s 16 count charge against Saraki - the Senate President was not listed as one of the signatories.

Wetkas’s cross-examination further established that under the law, a company has shareholders and not owners, hence the issue of separate entities under the law comes into play.

Recall that several charges in the Federal Government’s case against Saraki at the CCT pertains to the Senate President allegedly failing to declare assets belonging to his companies.

However, based on Wetkas’s testimony in court, wherein he confirmed that there is a distinction between a company and its shareholders, the defence team is pushing the argument that as long as the defendant had declared his ownership of the company, the property belonging to the company did not need to be declared - as the law views the personalities of companies and its shareholders as distinct entities.

Speaking to the court, Usoro gave the following example to elaborate on his point:

“I am a board member of PZ,” the Senior Advocate said, “PZ owns 75% shares. Does it mean that because I own a certain number of PZ shares, I'm the owner of PZ?”

Usoro further stated that: “The law says that the properties of a company doesn't belong to a shareholder.”

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CCT Judge Confesses to being under Duress

As the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, continues at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Justice Danladi Umar has confessed to being under pressure while ruling on the case of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2011.

Umar disclosed this at the beginning of court proceedings on today (Tuesday, May 17th) where he urged the defense team counsels to desist from examining the witness Micheal Wetkas any further - saying that the process was taking too long.

“We must be fair to ourselves, because we will be accountable to Allah,” Umar said. “I want to say that during the case of Bola Tinubu, we were under serious influence so we did what we had to do.

“We must be fair to ourselves so we don't unduly delay this case. The bench is begging the bar, allowing everyone conduct cross examination will make our records untidy, please let's make progress,” Umar added.

Wetkas, since the cross-examination commenced, has failed to prove the validity of most of his testimonies. Severally, he has disappointed Rotimi William, the government’s lead counsel by responding to questions by saying: “It was not part of my investigation,” “I was not part of the investigation team,” “I am not in a position to answer that” and “I’m not a forensic expert.”

In a case filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, against Tinubu with charge No. CCT/ABJ/1/11/ in 2011 for alleged violation in his asset declarations while he was Governor, the Federal Government, having failed to comply with mandatory procedures as provided in Section 3D of the CCT and CCB Act, dismissed the charges against Tinubu through the CCT.

Having made the same clear cut procedural error in the charges against Saraki, on the 5th of April 2016, Umar surprisingly ruled in contradiction to the precedent that he himself set in 2011.

Umar, Agwaza and CCT
by Olu Onemola
On the 24th of June 2011, when erstwhile President, Goodluck Jonathan, appointed Barrister Atedze Agwaza to serve as a member of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) - Nigeria’s pioneer anti-corruption tribunal - there was applause in many quarters, as Barrister Agwaza, in his previous engagements as a solicitor, had distinguished himself as a man of integrity.

This is why it came as no surprise to many, when in 2014, following allegations of a N10 million bribery scandal against the Chairman of the CCT, Dan Ladi Umar, Agwaza, and his other counterpart on the tribunal at the time, retired Justice Robert Odu, wrote a strongly-worded memo to the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), stating that the reputation of the tribunal was being called into question by Umar’s alleged unscrupulous dealings.

Agwaza and Odu, in their joint letter, mentioned that the allegation of Dan Ladi Umar receiving N10 million to quash the case against a defendant, had been widely reported in the media, and embarrassing comments from legal practitioners over the shocking development, was tainting both their (Agwaza’s and Odu’s) reputations - as they had been adjudged guilty by affiliation by the court of public opinion.

In 2015, following what has been described in many quarters as “politically-motivated inaction” by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the case involving Dan Ladi Umar, the CCT under Umar indicted the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on charges relating to his assets declaration forms from 2003. When the case commenced, Agwaza and Umar were the only two people left on the tribunal, however, for much of the beginning of the case, observers noticed that it was Dan Ladi Umar who was running the show - without consulting Agwaza on any of the rulings.

However, as the case began to take illogical turns by setting precedents that made legal observers like Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) and Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) to call to question the motivations behind the case, Agwaza began to speak more frequently during the tribunal hearings.

Be that as it may, although the relationship between Dan Ladi Umar, the EFCC and Saraki have been well-documented in the media in recent times, with analysts highlighting the fact that the EFCC forced Umar to institute the case against the Senate President, after the Senate began to investigate the EFCC for diverting recovered funds, it has become time to ask ourselves what the motivating force behind Agwaza is - as he has not only been a party to the legal inconsistencies that have been set in the case, as a member of the tribunal, as his joint-letter in 2011 implied, he too is also guilty by affiliation.

For example, in 2007, the CCT dismissed charges against the former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, stating the non-adherence to Section 3, paragraph D of its establishing act, that states that all individuals must be first given an opportunity to either confirm or deny allegations bordering on their assets declaration by the Code of Conduct Bureau, before any trial could be instituted by the CCT. In 2011, this same legal precedent set the grounds for the dismissal of the case against former governor of Lagos State, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nevertheless, in a clear-cut case of self-indictment, the CCT overturned its own legal precedents by stating that the precedent clause that was used to let Atiku and Tinubu off the hook were simply made in error. Agwaza, sat on the bench on the day that Dan Ladi Umar read out that ruling. Although, some say he looked visibly displeased at the verdict, by remaining silent, he too is equally culpable in the conspiracies that have played out thus far.

At this point, it is important that Nigerians who wish to see that justice is served in the case involving the Senate President, do not only focus on Dan Ladi Umar as the instigator and initiator of all the legal discrepancies that have been exhibited. We must also turn to Agwaza, who earlier in his tenure, seemed to care about the reputation of the CCT, but has remained silent in recent times as the law has been turned upside down in the case involving the Senate President.

As the case continues, it is important that Agwaza is reminded that by virtue of his seat on the tribunal, association is perception, and perception is ultimately reality. In this regard, the reality is that he is equally as compromised as Dan Ladi Umar. Hence, it is safe to say that the CCT, has finally and completely lost its way.

Saraki Seeks More Powers For ECOWAS Parliament


Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Monday called for more powers for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, if the aim of the subregion to achieve full integration is to be realized. 

Saraki made the call in his speech at the opening of the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja.

The Senate President said that even though the ECOWAS parliament is evolving in the right direction, it was his fervent hope that members of the sub region will begin to invest in it, more responsibility and opportunity as a sure path to creating the right structure for closer integration of the sub-region. 

Saraki said: "The ECOWAS sub-region has come a long way in pursuit of integration and development. However, what is clear today is that we need to do more. Other regional bodies including those who we inspired have moved faster towards integration than we have. 

"Sadly, this has been due to our inability to add to the institutional building blocks and muster the courage to reorder our structures for the vision of a virile and integrated ECOWAS.

"The ECOWAS Parliament remains a critical place to start. We must as a necessity, give the parliament greater authorization and capacity to duly legislate on common areas and provide oversight on certain issues of common interest and interdependency. 

"For as long as we are unable to, or fail to remit to this parliament more powers, the dreams for greater integration will remain a myth. This singular reason may be responsible for the lack of adequate cohesion in the fight against terrorism, cross border crimes and the implementation of agreed trade agreements and protocols. 

"With greater oversight and authorization, it is possible that we would see greater inroads made in the areas of the enforcement of ECOWAS regional trade agreements and instruments especially the Common External Tariff Order," he said.

He said that the ECOWAS Parliament has shown itself as a primer of integration and a key instrument for stability in the sub region having utilizèd "its instruments to provide opinions on various issues such as infrastructural development, migration, public health and investment referred to it by other Community Institutions, especially the ECOWAS Commission; with the aim to positively impact on the standards of living of West African citizens."

He noted that there has been a significant increase in the level of cross boarder businesses in the sub-region - with investment criss-crossing regional boundaries by nationals of the ECOWAS region - as a result of the implementation of the free movement of goods and persons across the region. 

While saying that the policy on free movement of goods and persons is beginning to bear significant fruits across the length and breath of the region, he lamented that "very little is being done to provide the right legal and institutional inter-ECOWAS-states frameworks that would guarantee and insulate these enterprising citizens from discriminatory practices, anti competition, human rights abuse and the possibility of host bias in the treatment of conflicts arising from their cross-border enterprise.


"This further underscores the need for us to act together to encourage this free flow of capital as a means to deepen our integration and avoid the possibility of recoiling our gains by enabling the parliament have more powers to make laws and fill in the legislative gaps where necessary to aid our regional development agenda," he said. 

He however reiterated the support and assistance of the nation's National Assembly to the work of the ECOWAS parliament as it strives to provide the necessary legislative leadership for greater development of the ECOWAS region.

While the region is proud that the Parliament has done creditably well in fulfilling its mandate according to the Senate President, he noted that "in  recent times, we have seen the scourge of terrorism cut through and expose the weaknesses of our regional integration efforts as our various governments scrambled to find a foothold for proper coordination of intelligence, resource mobilization and rapid response to terror threats. 

"This weakness we also witnessed in the coordination of responses to the spread of Ebola virus in 2015. These are glaring cases in which we were severely examined and our imperfect union exposed. 

"While these may have happened, we have also shown resilience and our leaders shown ingenuity in coming up with measures that have helped us contain these scourges. 

"However, they remain stark reminders of the challenges ahead and the need for us to revisit our protocols and treaties in order to create a more virile union that can help us deal with the challenges of the 21st century. 

"As we speak, the average citizen of the ECOWAS is yet to feel meaningfully the impact of the ECOWAS union beyond free movement of persons and goods. This is another reason I believe the enhancement of the ECOWAS Parliament remit merits deliberation," he said.

CCT Chairman has No Regard for 2nd CCT Judge.

Danladi Umar, chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has shown himself to be a rigid judicial tyrant.

His proceedings in the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki have always been strait-jacketed.

He has serially rubbished the suggestions of Williams Atedze, a member of the tribunal sitting in judgment over Saraki’s trial.

On April 28, after the charges against the senate president were amended, his counsel asked for a three-week adjournment to enable to study three additional charges added to a 13-count trumped up charge of false declaration of assets.

An intense argument ensued between the counsel of the defence and that of the prosecution.

While the prosecution asked for a seven-day adjournment, the defence argued for a three-week recess to give them time to prepare their case.

It was in the middle of the heated argument that Atedze intervened. He called for a truce, and suggested a two-week adjournment.

But Umar, in his tyrannical toga, dismissed the suggestion. He, instead, ordered a 10-day adjournment to pacify the prosecution.

This is just one in many other cases where the CCT overlord has humiliated his colleague in the glare of the public.

Also, reports are rife that Atedze had at different occasions moved to pull out of the trial, but was prevailed on to swallow the humiliation to avoid embarrassing the tribunal.

As a matter of fact, a three-member panel is expected to preside over a case at the tribunal, but at present only the CCT chairman and Atedze are presiding over Saraki’s trial.

Other judges have allegedly vowed not to sit with Umar owing to the bribery allegation hanging over his head.

And on Thursday, a witness testified before an Abuja high court that the CCT chairman still had a case to answer in the bribery scandal at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This is, however, contrary to Umar’s avowal that he had been let off the hook by the EFCC.

While ruling on Saraki’s application asking him to disqualify himself from the trial on the grounds that he was under investigation by the anti-graft agency, Umar lied that the EFCC had given him a clean bill of health.

But has the trial of Ali Gambo, Umar’s personal assistant whom he has blamed for his own malfeasance continues, it is expected that the CCT tyrant will be brought to justice.

The Rascality of Umar The CCT Chairman. Ifeanyi Elvis


As the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki trudges on at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), it is becoming lucid that Danladi Umar, chairman of the tribunal, is not acting alone.

From his rulings to his “attack-dog” demeanor towards the lawyers of Saraki, it is not out of place to say that there is a puppeteer pulling the strings of Umar.

To buttress this assertion, the hurried trial of the senate president, is undoubtedly a clue into the claim that “the persecution, and not prosecution” of Saraki, is a high-calibre engineered process. And this implies that, Umar, is a mere puppet in the hands of a “Gulliver-puppeteer.”

In fact, the questionable hurried trial of Saraki defies legal and moral logic when viewed against the background of a case that has been at tribunal for three years.
This case, which has become geriatric for it started in 2013, is one of bribery involving the CCT chairman himself.

Here is a cursory background of the case. Taiwo Rasheed, a former comptroller of customs, who is being tried at the CCT for failing to declare his assets, allegedly bribed Umar with N10m to influence his trial.

Rasheed claimed that he wired N1.8m to Umar, through his personal assistant, but the CCT chairman denied the claim. Nevertheless, the details of this matter are fodder for another day.

However, since the case commenced at the tribunal in 2013, there have been a series of adjournments. Even, when it came up on Wednesday, May 10, 2016, the CCT chairman adjourned it for another two weeks.

And so, the beat goes on. The question, this scenario, raises is: Why is Umar quick to adjourn a trial he is linked with (allegedly bribed to influence), but insists that that of the senate president must go on from day to day?

This is irresponsible, and a clear display of judicial rascality.

Again, the CCT judge has never granted Saraki an adjournment of not more than 10 days, but he freely adjourned the trial of Godsday Orubebe, a former minister of Niger Delta affairs, by a month.

So why the mad rush and undue exuberance in Saraki’s case? Umar claims he is going by the stipulations of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA), but is the Act only applicable to the case of the senate president?

As stated earlier, going by these facts, the CCT chairman is not acting alone in Saraki’s trial. The rough lines of the trial have shown this.

Umar is just a puppet on the strings of a cowardly puppeteer, afraid of showing his face.

Written by Ifeanyi Elvis

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITNESS PROVES THAT SARAKI DECLARED ASSETS ON CROSS-EXAMINATION

https://www.naij.com/826836-cct-trial-read-efcc-witness-said-saraki.html

– EFCC detective, Michael Wetkas told the court that Bukola Saraki declared a non-existent property

– Saraki’s lawyer, Paul Usoro was able to prove that the property really did exist

– A heated exchange later ensued over ownership of the property Michael Wetkas, a detective of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, May 11, said Bukola Saraki, the Senate president declared a property that did not exist. Wetkas said this at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) while he was being cross-examined by Paul Usoro, one of the lead counsel to Saraki. According to him, the property which did not exist was said to be at 15b McDonald road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Isotope asked if he stood by his testimony that the property which the defendant declared did not exist, Wetkas replied that any report brought before the court is from investigations carried out. However, Usoro was able to develop facts that meant the property existed while cross-examining the witness. One of the facts was a letter written to a presidential implementation committee, by one Egwuagu, an occupant of the building, in 2008 stating that he was in possession of the property as of 1994. READ ALSO: Saraki’s trial: CCT stands down for an hour “I am still living in the property with my family and can’t abandon it,” according to the engineer when Isotope read out an excerpt of the letter.

Usoro asked Wetkas: “However, in your investigation report, there was nothing indicating that the property was occupied.” Wetkas agreed although initially he disagreed until he was asked to read it out to the court, then he later agreed that it was not there.

Also, the witness read out a report from the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) revealing that the property was verified. However, a heated exchange ensued over ownership of the property.

Usoro contended that there were three pieces of property located at McDonald road, Ikoyi, 15, block A and B, and 15b, and that the property in contention might not be that of his client. However, Wetkas agreed that there were three pieces of property in the same area, but did not give further details.

Meanwhile, on Monday, April 18, Wetkas claimed that Saraki bought a property for N522m, which he failed to declare it at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). He claimed the property was bought in the name of Tiny Tee Limited from a Presidential Implementation Committee on landed property between 2006 and 2007. He said the part payment was from GTB account of Carlie Properties and Investment Ltd. Saraki is still undergoing trial at the CCT and has been since September 22.

Nigerian Senate to launch Transparency and Delivery Commission

In line with the Legislative Agenda approved by the Senate, the President of the Senate today has announced the intention of the Senate to inaugurate an independent Transparency and Delivery Commission to review and improve the oversight systems and tools of the Senate.  

The Commission will be led by a working group consisting of a world leading research institution and a partner institute in Nigeria and will be advised by an internationally acclaimed anti-corruption expert.

The independent Commission will work closely with the Senateand the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption & Financial Crimes to draw up a robust oversight scheme and strengthen the internal structuring and capacity of the National Assembly to fulfil its role as an anti-corruption institution.

The Commission’s work will be two-fold. Initially it willconcentrate on analysing the processes and tools by which the Senate and the National Assembly in general can, using its legislative remit, assist the anti-corruption agenda of President Buhari and more specifically strengthen the institutions through legislative reforms.

The following medium-term goal is to then deliver recommendations for better ways of working within the Senate and to ensure that it meets the highest global standards includingthe newly announced Commonwealth Secretariat anti-corruption ‘kitemark’ system.  

 

Specifically, the group will:


1. Map out how the Senate could use its oversight tools to actas a catalyst for greater transparency and anti-corruption in other parts of the Nigerian state both at the Federal and State Levels.
 

2. Assess how the Nigerian Senate functions as a scrutiny and policy making body and how it can improve in this role

3. Undertake a review of the mechanisms of the Nigerian senate and identify areas for improvement in senate efficiency in implementing its legislative agenda and its anti-corruption capacity.

4. Look at international and regional examples of best practice – such as the Commonwealth Secretariat ‘kitemark’ – and suggest tangible reforms the Nigeria Senate could implement to improve transparency and the policy delivery process internally and across government.


Signed


Yusuph Olaniyonu


Special Adviser (Media and Communication)